Amid Ongoing Conflict, Indonesia Continues Humanitarian Aid to Myanmar

TheIndonesia.co - Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan has reaffirmed that Indonesia's humanitarian mission to assist earthquake victims in Myanmar is progressing despite the ongoing conflict in the country.

According to Antara News Agency, he expressed confidence that the Defense Ministry would face no obstacles in delivering logistical support to Myanmar, thanks to close coordination between the Indonesian Military (TNI), Myanmar authorities, and the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

Ermawan emphasized that Indonesia’s aid mission would remain neutral in Myanmar's political situation, which has been marked by turmoil since a military coup ousted the civilian government in 2021. He reassured that the TNI's involvement is solely focused on humanitarian assistance, underscoring Indonesia's commitment to supporting the people of Myanmar.

During a ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday, the Ministry of Defense sent 12 tons of relief supplies via a Hercules aircraft to aid the earthquake victims in Myanmar. The aid package included contributions from the TNI, the National Alms Agency (Baznas), and various government and community groups.

The TNI has deployed 39 personnel, including pilots, Marine Corps members, and forces from elite units like the Special Force Command (Kopassus), Rapid Action Force Command (Kopasgat), and the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), to carry out the mission. Their tasks include providing medical aid, setting up refugee camps, and conducting search and rescue operations.

Ermawan also noted that security teams would be assessed for their role in ensuring the safety of personnel working in the disaster areas. The TNI will deliver essential supplies, including food, medicine, and shelter, to the victims of the earthquake.

Ermawan expressed hope that the assistance from Indonesia would alleviate some of the suffering caused by the earthquake in Myanmar.

On March 30, 2025, Myanmar's shadow administration, the National Unity Government, which was formed by lawmakers ousted in the 2021 military coup, announced a two-week ceasefire to facilitate rescue efforts. The ceasefire came after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region on March 28, 2025, killing 1,700 people and injuring over 3,400 others, with dozens still missing. The National Unity Government also stated they would assist in junta-controlled areas if the military ensures the safety of rescue personnel and refrains from making arrests.

The earthquake adds to Myanmar’s ongoing struggles, as the country continues to face severe conflict following the military coup, with the junta fighting against various ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces, including the People's Defense Force, the military wing of the National Unity Government.